Arizona family excited to run in July 13 Johnnycake Jog

Courtesy Brodnik family
From left to right: Brodnik family members at a recent vacation at the Grand Canyon, Luke (14), Lois (10), Shannon, Mark and Peter (13). The Brodniks will participate in the July 13 Johnnycake Jog.

The July 13 Johnnycake Jog brings all types of individuals and stories.
It’s likely none are coming from a longer distance than the Brodnik family. Their story is inspirational as well.
North grad Mark Brodnik, his wife Shannon, and their three children have made the trek from Chandler, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix, to visit Mark’s family and then head to Painesville to run for the second time in the Jog.
Mark Brodnik has a come a long way — literally and figuratively — from his early days growing up Lake County. His father worked many Jogs as a sheriff, but Brodnik never ran in “Ohio’s Five-Miler,” until 2010 while visiting his family.
“My dad always brought me home a Jog T-shirt. I knew about the Jog from him, but that’s about it,” said Mark Brodnik. “As for running, I had no desire for it. I played tennis and soccer in high school, and with soccer I dreaded the running part.”
That’s now changed in his 40s, mostly because of a lifestyle change he and his wife underwent for several reasons.
In 2006, Mark Brodnik felt out of shape. He began running around the block in his neighborhood. After a few months, he extended his 10-minute run to a few more minutes. His wife joined him on runs. Eventually, he was running three hours at a time, biking long distances, then began training as a triathlete. Shannon did the same.
Five years later, he ran in Arizona Ironman; his wife also an active triathlete.
“Exercise is now a part of our lives,” said Mark Brodnik. “It’s a household thing, and a team effort. Our kids see it, and it’s rubbed off on them.”
Two years prior to Mark’s Ironman, the Brodnik family received a scare. Shannon Brodnik was diagnosed with breast cancer, but that didn’t stop or limit her activity. Eight weeks after her first treatment for breast cancer, she competed in a triathlon.
“Mark and I are determined to stay healthy and be positive, healthy role models for our kids,” said Shannon Brodnik, who celebrated being five years cancer free in March 2013. “Dealing with my sickness, I know I can overcome anything. It’s brought me strength and belief.”
Mark, 44, and Shannon, 43, won’t be alone at the Lake County Fairgrounds for the start of the Jog. Sons Luke, 14, and Peter, 13, will run in the race. The pair are members of their school’s track and cross country teams.
Daughter Lois, a 10-year-old whose speciality is softball and according to her mother, “Isn’t a fan of running at all,” will participate in the Jog’s 5-mile walk with her aunt and Mark’s sister, Vicky Brodnik.
Mark Brodnik has run in two Arizona-based marathons and his 2011 Ironman, but coming home to participate in road races is something special.
“Running in the Jog (for the first time in 2010) was awesome, a really cool event,” said Mark Brodnik, whose family plans to run in Mentor’s Friday Night Lights on July 18. “People are really into it. They want to get in shape, stay in shape.”
It’s something the Brodnik family has gotten used to doing.

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About the Author

Mark's an Ohio State graduate who's been with The News-Herald since 1996. He enjoys exercising, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with his family and college football. Reach the author at mpodolski@news-herald.com
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